How can you secure mobile app communication with a server during authentication?

1 Use HTTPS

The first and most basic step to secure mobile app communication with a server is to use HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. HTTPS is a protocol that encrypts the data exchanged between the app and the server, making it harder for attackers to intercept or modify it. HTTPS also verifies the identity of the server, preventing the app from connecting to a fake or malicious one. To use HTTPS, you need to obtain a valid SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted authority and configure your server to accept HTTPS requests.

2 Implement OAuth 2.0

The next step to secure mobile app communication with a server is to implement OAuth 2.0, which stands for Open Authorization 2.0. OAuth 2.0 is a standard that defines how apps can request and obtain access tokens from a server, which can then be used to access protected resources. OAuth 2.0 also allows users to grant or revoke permissions to apps without exposing their credentials. To implement OAuth 2.0, you need to follow the specific flow that suits your app scenario, such as authorization code, implicit, password, or client credentials.

3 Use JWT

The third step to secure mobile app communication with a server is to use JWT, which stands for JSON Web Token. JWT is a format that encodes data in a compact and self-contained way, making it easy to transmit and verify. JWT can be used as access tokens in OAuth 2.0, or as standalone tokens for authentication and authorization. JWT consists of three parts: a header, a payload, and a signature. The header specifies the algorithm and the type of the token. The payload contains the claims, which are the information about the user and the app. The signature is the result of applying the algorithm to the header and the payload, using a secret key. To use JWT, you need to generate and validate the tokens on your server, and store and send them securely on your app.

4 Apply Encryption

The fourth step to secure mobile app communication with a server is to apply encryption, which is the process of transforming data into an unreadable form, using a key. Encryption can be used to protect sensitive data, such as passwords, personal information, or payment details, from unauthorized access or leakage. Encryption can be applied at different levels, such as at the network layer, the transport layer, the application layer, or the data layer. To apply encryption, you need to choose an appropriate algorithm, such as AES, RSA, or ECC, and a suitable mode, such as CBC, CTR, or GCM.

5 Adopt Certificate Pinning

The fifth step to secure mobile app communication with a server is to adopt certificate pinning, which is a technique that binds a specific certificate or public key to a server, and verifies it on the app. Certificate pinning can prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker intercepts and replaces the server's certificate with a fake one, and deceives the app into accepting it. Certificate pinning can be implemented using various methods, such as hard-coding, dynamic loading, or using a framework or a library.

6 Follow Security Standards

The sixth and final step to secure mobile app communication with a server is to follow security standards, which are guidelines and best practices that aim to improve the quality and reliability of software development. Security standards can help you avoid common pitfalls and vulnerabilities, such as weak encryption, insecure storage, improper validation, or insufficient testing. Security standards can be derived from various sources, such as industry regulations, official recommendations, or community initiatives. Some examples of security standards are OWASP, NIST, or ISO.